Ultimate Travel Guide to Kenya
The Republic of Kenya is the most powerful economy of East Africa with the capital Nairobi as the commercial capital of East and Central Africa. It is a former British colony and became independent in 1964.
It has Somalia to the northeast, Tanzania to the south, Ethiopia and South Sudan to the north and Uganda to the west as neighboring countries. Kenya lies on the equator and has 536 kilometres of Indian Ocean coastline with beautiful white sandy beaches.
Kenya has 43 different tribes that can be divided into three major linguistic groups: The Bantu, the Nilotics and the Cushites. The Kikuyu Community is the biggest tribe, but the Maasai tribe is the most famous tribe of them all.
Each tribe has their own unique values, skills, language and cultural practices. And it's definitely a must, to meet one of the indigenous tribes. You can only learn more about the country through its beautiful, soulful and colorful people.
Looking for an authentic African experience, Kenya is the place for you. It’s a country full of diverse landscapes and cultures, along with some unforgettable wildlife experiences. It’s one of the best destinations in Africa to go on safari. With endless plains that are full of wildlife, rolling hills, lush mountains, and a coastline that will leave you speechless, Kenya was made to explore!
When visiting Kenya, planning your trip around the dry season is key. From June to October, there will be little rainfall and wildlife is easier to spot due to the bush being less dense.
The animals swarm the watering holes, and you’ll be in time for the Great Migration! Each year over a million wildebeest and other animals make their way across the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
Traveling to Kenya in the wet season (November to May) is the best time to find deals. With less than perfect weather and fewer tourists, you will find plenty of discounts on flights, accommodation and activities. If you’re planning a Kenya safari, keep in mind that from March to May some lodges will shut down because of the rain.
The two biggest international airports are Jomo Kenyatta in Nairobi and Moi in Mombasa. If you want to enjoy and relax at the beach it's best to fly to Mombasa. And if you want to go on a safari in the many national parks and game reserves its best to fly to Nairobi. It's central and it's easy to get to the many game parks in Kenya from Nairobi.
You can also do both and catch the train or a domestic flight between these two major cities. There are many small airports in Kenya if you are short on time and rather fly to several places. There is even an airstrip in the Maasai Mara so everything is possible.
Visas are available for almost all nationalities on entry at international airports and at land borders. The visa fee is USD 50 and your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of your arrival in Kenya. You can apply for an electronic visa and pay by credit card. The earliest you can apply for a visa for Kenya is three months before your departure date.
It’s also recommended for most travelers to get vaccinations for yellow fever, Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Nairobi is a malaria free area but the rest of Kenya, especially during the warmer months, are malaria areas. We advise you to get information from your local doctor or travel clinic for your personal situation.